Speaking at a lunchtime reception for the organisers of the Walker Cup Match at Stormont today he said: “Hosting this prestigious competition is a first for Northern Ireland, made even more special because two of our brightest golfing stars, Rory McIlroy and Jonathan Caldwell, have been selected for the GB and Ireland team.
“Northern Ireland is one of the top destinations in the world for golf and boasts incredible championship courses. Royal County Down has this year been ranked as the best course in the world outside the United States by ‘Golf Digest’ and it is therefore wonderful that it has been chosen to host this year’s Walker Cup.
“With international television coverage and visitors from both sides of the Atlantic, Northern Ireland is on a world stage this weekend as a top class place to play golf, to visit and enjoy.
“Our two young golfing ambassadors are also attracting attention from all over the world and I wish them every success for the competition.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Rory well in his professional career which he is just about to embark on. We’ll all be watching and willing him on, hoping that his bright future and that of Northern Ireland will grow together.”
The Minister also paid tribute to the Royal and Ancient, (R&A) the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Golfing Union (GU) of Ireland co-organisers of the Walker Cup Match who were attending the reception.
He said: “Their role in the development of the sport, administration of the rules and investment in the game through the R&A Foundation and the USGA’s ‘For the Good of the Game’ initiative, preserves golf’s proud tradition.
“The Golfing Union of Ireland has also worked tirelessly to promote and develop the game. To ensure that our players can compete with the best in international competition, the GU’s Coaching Management Committee arranges regular training and coaching sessions for boys, youths and senior partners.
“Testament to this coaching success can be seen in the remarkable achievements of both Rory and Jonathan.”
The Minister also acknowledged the hard work that the officials of the Royal County Down Golf Club have put into arrangements to host the 2007 Walker Cup Match.
Notes to Editors:
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